Type-writing machine



(No Model.) V 3 Sheets-sheaf; 1.

J. C. LANDIS.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

No. 591,669. Patented'Oct. 12,1897.

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WITNESSES 05 ATTORNEYS.

INVENTO 2 t e e h S m e e h S 3 R N :I m I A M N G. A N L H m G .W B P. Y T a d O M 0 W Patented Oct. 12, 1897.

FIG/1.

IIVVE/VTOR 5% ATTORNEYS.

WITNESSES.-

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(No Model.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 3. J. O. LANDIS.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

Patented Oct. 12,1897.

M l i m: scams versus co, PMGYOJJYNQ, WASHINGTON. o. c.

UNITED ST TES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN CRIST LANDIS, OF MIDDLETOWVN, PENNSYLVANIA.

TYPE-WRIT! NG MACHIN E. I

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters J Patent No. 591,669, dated October 12, 1897. Application filed July 16,1896. Serial No- 599,35 7. (No model.)

To ctZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN CRIST LANDIS, of Middletown, in the county of Dauphin and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Type-Writing Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the invention is to provide certain new and useful improvements in typewriting machines, whereby any convenient number of letters can be written by pressing a single key, and whereby the accurate spacing of the writing is obtained whether one, two, three, or more letters are printed at one stroke of the key.

The invention consists principally of supplementary type-bars, each having a multiple number of type-characters.

The invention also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, which will be fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a side elevation of the improvement with parts in section. Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view of the same on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a rear end elevation of the same with parts broken out. larged rear elevation of the device for moving the carriage. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the same, and Fig. 6 is a plan view of part of the line-spacing device.

The improved type-writing machine is provided with a frame having a base A, in the rear end of which are fulcrumed at A the sets of keys B,B,and B of which the keys B are the ordinary ones used in type-writing machines as heretofore constructed, the said keys controlling ordinary type-bars, each having a single type-character.

The set of keys B is supplementary to the keys B, and each of these supplementary keys controls a type-bar having two type-charac terssuch as ed, ly, and the like-so that when a key of this set of keys B is pressed two type-characters are simultaneously printed on the paper held on the platen O, fitted to slide in suitable guideways in the overhead frame Fig. 4 is an en- E. The other set of keys B is likewise supplementary to the keys B, and the type-bars controlled by these keys contain each three type-characters-suoh as the, and, ion, and the like-so that pressing one of the keys causes the printing of three typecharacters simultaneously on the paper held on the platen O. Q

In order to insure proper spacing between the type-characters of the several sets of keys, I provide the following device: The sets of keys B, B, and B when pressed engage levers F, G, and H, respectively, of which the lever H is formed with an L-shaped arm H,

the transverse member of which extends under the keys in the set of keys B and the said arm H is fastened on a longitudinally,

extending shaft H mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the base A.

On the shaft H is arranged an arm H engaging an arm I, projecting longitudinally from the shaft I, extending transversely in the base A and journaled in suitable bearings therein. A spring H engages the arm H near the shaft H so as to insure a return movement of the lever H when the key of the set of keys B is released after pressing it. The other lever G is similarly constructed that is, provided with an arm G, made L- shaped and having its outer end extending under the several keys in the set B.

The arm G is fastened on a shaft G in alinement with the shaft H previously mentioned, and likewise journaled in the base A. An arm G extends from the shaft G to engage the arm I at a distance farther from the shaft I, as will be readily understood by reference to Fig. 2. A spring G engages the arm G to insure a return movement of the lever G when the pressed key is released. The other lever F is provided with a longitudinal rod F in alinement withthe ends of the arms H and G, and this rod F is secured on arms F F and F of which the latter is mounted to turn loosely on the shaft H and is pressed on by a spring F to insure a return movement of the lever H. The other two arms F and F of the lever F are secured on a sleeve F mounted to turn loosely on the shaft G and on this sleeve F is secured an arm F engaging the arm 1 near its outer end at a suitable distance from the arm G as plainly illustrated in Fig. 2.

It is evident that when one end of the keys in the several sets is pressed by the operator then the corresponding lever forthat set of keys acts on the arm I to turn the shaft I in one direction. The distance, however, the arm I is moved by the several levers varies, owing to the arms H G and F engaging the arm I at difierent distances from the shaft I. Thus when a key in the regular set of keys B is pressed the shaft I is turned but.

one-third the distance it is turned when a key in the set of keys B is pressed and but one-half the distance it is turned when akey in set of keys B is pressed. Thus if the rotation of shaft I when a key in set of keys B is pressed is equal to one then when a key in set of keys B is pressed the rotation will be equal to two, and when a key in set of keys B is pressed the rotation will be equal to three.

The downward-swinging motion of the several arms H G and F is, however, limited by a fixed frame J, secured to the sides of the base A, it being understood that the arm 1 extends upwardly in an inclined direction, and the several arms H G and F rest on top of this arm I and consequently stand at difierent angles one to the other, as indicated in Fig. 1. The mot-ion of the shaft I is transmitted to the carriage D to move the latter from the right to the left a distance of one, two, or three type-characters, according to which of the keys in the sets of keys B B B is pressed. The carriage D is held normally in a right-hand side position by a spring or a weight D, and the carriage is shifted from the right to the left by the action of the shaft I and the following mechanism:

On the rear end of the shaft I is secured an arm I pivotally connected with a link K, pressed on by a spring K and pivotally connected at its upper end with a lever K fulcrumed loosely on the transversely-extending shaft L, journaled in suitable hearings in the overhead framework, as plainly shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

The forward end of the shaft L carries a gear-wheel L, in mesh with a rack D secured to the carriage D, so that when the said shaft is rotated the gear-wheel L will cause a positive sliding of the carriage D and the platen G, journaled in the carriage.

On the lever K is held a pawl K pressed on by a spring K to hold the said pawl normally in engagement with the ratchet-wheel L secured on the shaft L. A dog N, ful crumed on the overhead framework E, engages the ratchet-wheel L to prevent a return movement of the said ratchet-wheel, shaft L, gear-wheel L, and carriage D as long as the said dog is in engagement with the ratchet-wheel. A spring N holds the dog in engagement with the ratchet-wheel.

It is evident that when a rocking motion is given to the shaft I by pressing the arm I downward, as previously explained, the arm I swings upward to cause an upward movement of the link K and a consequent upward swinging of the lever K so that the pawl K glides back over the teeth of the ratchetwheel L This takes place while the key is pressed, and as soon as the operator releases the key, after the impression is made, the spring K draws the rod K downward to cause a return movement of the shaft I and its arm I and a downward swinging of the lever K so that the pawl K turns the ratchet-wheel L and consequently the shaft L and gearwheel L, to shift the carriage D from the right to the left against the tension of the spring or weight D. Thus when a key of the set of keys B is pressed and released then the carriage D is shifted from the right to the left the distance of the width of a single type, and when a key in the set of keys B is pressed and released the carriage is moved the distance of two types, and when a key in the set of keys B is pressed and released the carriage moves the distance of three types.

When it is desired to return the carriage D and the platen C, the operator presses a separate key connected by a link 0 with an arm 0 of a lever O, fulcrumed on the overhead framework E. The lever O is adapted to engage transversely-extending pins K and N held on the pawl K and dog N, respectively, so that the downward swinging of the lever 0 moves the said pawl and dog simultaneously out of engagement with the ratchet- Wheel L to permit the spring or weight D to at once draw the carriage D back from the left to the right to its original starting position.

As soon as the operator releases the separate key the springs K and N act on the pawl K and dog N to bring the same back into mesh with the ratchet-wheel L It is thus evident that the carriage is positively moved from the right to the left during the time the printing is done and the carriagecan be automatically returned by the operator simply pressing a separate key.

In order to govern the speed of the return movement of the carriage, I provide a brake mechanism consisting of a brake-band P, secured at one end to the overhead framework E and at its other free end to the lever O, the said brake-band passing loosely over a brakepulley P, secured on the shaft L. Thus when the separate key is pressed and the lever O swings downward then the brake band P moves in frictional contact with the peripheral surface of the brake-pulley P, so as to brake the shaft L to govern the return movement of the carriage D.

In order to turn the platen C to start the next line of printing, I provide the following device controlled by the return movement of the carriage D: The hand lever Q, fulcrumed on the carriage D, carries a pawl Q in mesh with a ratchet-wheel O on the platen C. \Vhen the operator lifts the hand-lever Q,

the pawl Q shifts the ratchet-wheel C, and 3 are printed at a single stroke.

consequently the platen, to the next line. engage the said pawl and dog to throw the The lever Q is engaged at its under side by an arm R, projecting from a transverselyextending rocking shaft R, journaled in suitable bearings in the overhead framework E at the right-hand end of the machine, as plainly indicated in the drawings. (See Fig. 6.) The lever B at its rearend is provided with a depending arm R adapted to be engaged by a pin S, engaging one of a series of apertures S, arranged one above the other in a bracket S secured to the overhead framework E.

When the carriage D moves from the right to the left, the arm R by passing over the pin S, is caused to swing to turn the shaft R, and the latter in doing so moves the arm R downward, so as not to aifect the position of the hand-lever Q. As soon as the' arm R has passed the pin S it swings back to its vertical position to again bring the arm R. under the hand-lever Q. (See Fig. 1.)

. IVhen the carriage D is on the return movement, the arm R again comes in contact with the fixed pin S, so that the shaft R is turned, but in an opposite direction, and consequently the arm R swings upward and moves the hand-lever Q in the same direction to cause a turning of the platen O, as before described, at the time the carriage moves back in its normal or right-hand position.

The pin S is held vertically adjustable in the bracket S so as to turn the shaft R and the platen C more or less, according to the distance desired between successive lines. From the foregoing it is evident that the arrangement described permits the operator to run the machine at a high rate of speed by printing at will one, two, three, or more letters by the depression of a single key, the spacing being accurately and automatically done whether one, two, three, or more letters It will also be seen that an automatic return of the carriage takes place after a line has been written, and the speed of the carriage during its return movement is fully under the control of the operator.

The platen is automatically turned during the return movement of the carriage, so as to change to the next line, and the space between the two lines can be regulated to suit the work in hand.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- 1. A type-writing machine, provided with a spring-pressed carriage fitted to slide and having a fixed rack,a gear-wheel in mesh with the said rack, a ratchet-wheel on the shaft of the said gear-wheel, a lever carryinga pawl engaging the said ratchet-Wheel, a shaft controlled by the keys and connected with the said lever to impart a swinging motion to the lever, a dog engaging the said ratchet-wheel to lock the latter against return movement, an arm controlled by a key and adapted to same out of engagement to permit the carriage to return automatically, and a brake device controlled by the said arm to regulate the speed of the returning carriage, substantially as described.

2. In a type writer, the combination of three sets of key-levers, a rock-shaft running parallel with the key-levers, an arm fixed to the first-named rock-shaft, three additional rock-shafts respectively related to the three sets of key-levers, an arm carried by each of said additional rock-shafts, the arms engaging the arm of the first-named rock-shaft and being capable of imparting varying degrees of movement thereto, means respectively connecting the three additional rockshaft-s with the three sets of key-levers, and carriage -feed mechanism driven from the first-named rock-shaft, substantially as described.

3. In a type-writer, the combination with a frame, of three sets of key-levers, a rockshaft extending parallel with the key-levers, an arm fixed to the rock-shaft, a second rockshaft running transversely to the first rockshaft, an arm carried by the second rockshaft and engaged by one set of key-levers, a second arm carried by the second rock-shaft and engaging with the arm of the first rockshaft, a third rock-shaft, a rocking tubular shaft inclosing the third rock-shaft, arms respectively running from the tubular rockshaft and from the third rock-shaft to the remaining sets of key-levers, and arms respectively carried by the third rock-shaft and the tubular rock-shaft and extending to the arm of the first-named rock-shaft, and carriagefeed mechanism operated from the first rockshaft, substantially as described.

4. In a type-writer, the combination of a key-lever, arock-shaft, an arm fixed thereon and engaged by the key-lever whereby to turn the rock-shaft, a second arm fixed to the rockshaft, a second rock-shaft running transversely to the first rock-shaft, an arm fixed to the second rock-shaft and engaged by the second arm of the first rock-shaft and carriage-feed mechanism operated from the second rock-shaft, substantially as described.

5. In a type-writer, the combination of a frame two levers, a rock-shaft, an arm fixed to the rock-shaft, a second rock-shaftrunning transversely to the first rock-shaft a tubular rock-shaft inclosing the second rockshaft, an arm fixed to the second rock-shaft and engaging the arm of the first rock-shaft,

an arm fixed to the tubular rock-shaft and engaging the arm of the first rock-shaft arms respectively fixed to the second and tubular rock-shafts and respectively engaged by the key-levers and carriage-feed mechanism operated from the first rock-shaft, substantially as described.

6. In a type-writer, the combination with a frame and a carriage sliding thereon, of a platen carried by the carriage, a shifting-le Yer fu'lcrnmed 0n the carriage and turning the platen, .a rock-shaft mounted in the carriage and capable of engaging the shifting- 1ever to operate the same, the rock-shaft havthe bracket, substantially as described.

7. The combination of a gearwheel, two i pawls :engaging the periphery of the gear-- wheel at different points on the periphery thereof, and 'a pivoted member movable toward and from the gear-wheel and having'a.

projection curved concentrically to the gearwheel and capable-0f moving toward and from the pawls to engage and disengage the same from the gear-Wheel, substantially .as described.

- JOHN ORIST LANDIS. Witnesses:

' GEORGE CRIsT,

JOSEPH H. LANDIS. 

